The chair and members of the Subcommittee on Security and Defense (SEDE) of the European Parliament visited the EUMM Field Office in Zugdidi (FOZ), on 9 May 2018. The purpose was to familiarize European Parliamentarians with the dynamics at the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) with Abkhazia and the role of the Mission in monitoring developments on the ground. The Delegation consisted of four members of the European Parliament: Ms. Anna Elzbieta Fotyga (chair of SEDE), Ms. Clare Moody, Mr. Michael Gahler and Mr. Jozo Rados. EUMM Head, Mr. Erik Høeg, accompanied the visitors during the day.

The SEDE delegation was briefed by Head of Mission Erik Høeg and by Head of Field Office Zugdidi Hakan Rapp about developments in the region, before joining an EUMM patrol visiting a former Controlled Crossing Point at Khurcha-Nabakevi, the Enguri Bridge and the Enguri Dam.The patrol gave visitors a chance to get a first-hand impression of challenges towards security and livelihoods on the ground.

The visitors expressed appreciation for the work of the women and men of EUMM as the only permanent monitoring presence of the ground.

Head of the Mission Erik Høeg hosted the delegation and accompanied the guests during the patrol, which included visiting the Khurcha-Nabakevi former Controlled Crossing Point

Field Office Zugdidi Head Hakan Rapp briefs visitors about the Enguri Dam

Head of Mission Erik Høeg hosted the delegation and accompanied the guests to the Enguri Bridge Controlled Crossing Point

Head of Field Office Zugdidi Hakan Rapp (second from right to left) gave the guests an operational briefing about the Abkhazian Administrative Boundary Line (ABL)